The 2024 KTM 250 Duke is an all-new model that shares virtually no parts with the 200 Duke it replaces. With that in mind, let’s take a first look at the smallest Duke in KTM’s 2024 lineup in the United States.
- KTM ditches the 200’s double-overhead-cam motor for a single-cam configuration. However, it continues to have a four-valve cylinder head and liquid cooling.
- KTM kept the 200’s 72mm bore and lengthened the stroke to 61mm to increase the displacement. The 250 is a true 250, displacing 249cc.
- The 2024 250 Duke’s ride-by-wire motor has fewer parts, according to KTM insiders. Further, it is also claimed to be lighter, though the 250 Duke is 34 pounds heavier than the 200.
- The increase in horsepower and torque more than makes up for the weight gain. KTM claims a peak of 31 horsepower and 18 ft-lbs of torque, though the Austrians don’t reveal the rev count when those numbers are attained.
- The exhaust header features an expansion chamber. The gases then exit through a short, side-directed muffler below the shock.
- The six-speed transmission gets a wet multiplate clutch with assist and slipper functions. The clutch is cable-actuated.
- That’s an all-new frame on the 2024 KTM 250 Duke. It’s still a steel trellis frame. However, it has been redesigned and features a bolt-on aluminum subframe and arched aluminum swingarm. The bodywork is also all-new.
- The 2024 KTM 250 Duke gets upgraded KTM Apex suspension. The travel has been lengthened by about an inch at each end, and now sits at nearly six inches. The 43mm fork is an open-cartridge big-piston design, while the shock is an emulsion unit. The only adjustment is the shock’s spring preload.
- Despite longer suspension travel, the 250 Duke has a lower seat height than the 200. The 250’s seat height is only about a quarter-inch lower, but that’s impressive given lengthened wheel travel.
- The wheels are new, as are the Indian-made MRF Steel Brace tires. The radial tires are a new design by MRF, and we don’t have any experience with the Chennai-based brand—yet. We can tell you that MRF started in 1946 as a toy balloon manufacturer, and expanded into the world of tires 71 years ago. MRF has been exporting tires to the United States since 1967.
- ByBre calipers slow down the 2024 KTM 250 Duke at the owner’s behest. That’s a 320mm front disc, up 20mm from the 200. The rear disc is 10mm larger in diameter than the 200’s unit, now measuring 240mm. Bosch continues to handle ABS chores, and there’s a Supermoto mode that defeats the rear wheel anti-lock function.
- There’s an entirely new cockpit on the 250 Duke. In addition to the new five-inch LCD dash, KTM debuts new switchgear. The dash will pair with your Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth if you download the KTMconnect app.
- We don’t have a price for the 2024 KTM 250 Duke yet. We can tell you that it is available in two colorways, and both involve orange. You should be able to check out the new 250 in person soon after the 2024 clicks over.
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2024 KTM 250 Duke Specs
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 72 x 61mm
Maximum power: 31 horsepower
Maximum torque: 18 ft-lbs
Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves
Fueling: Bosch EFI w/ 38mm throttle body
Engine management: Bosch EMS
Lubrication: Wet sump
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: 6-speed (quickshifter optional)
Clutch: mechanically actuated wet multidisc w/ assist and slipper functions
Final drive: 520 X-ring chain
CHASSIS
Frame: Powdercoated steel trellis w/ cast aluminum bolt-on rear subframe
Handlebar: Tapered aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable WP Apex 43mm inverted open-cartridge, big-piston fork; 5.9 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered spring-preload adjustable WP Apex Emulsion shock w/ progressive damping; 5.9 inches
Wheels: Cast aluminum
Front: 17 x 3.00
Rear: 17 x 4.00
Tires: MRF Steel Brace
Front: 110/70 x 17
Rear: 150/60 x 17
Front brake: 320mm disc w/ radially mounted ByBre four-piston caliper
Rear brake: 240mm disc w/ floating ByBre caliper
ABS: Bosch ABS w/ Supermoto mode
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
Wheelbase: 53.4 inches
Seat height: 31.4 inches
Fuel capacity: 3.9 gallons
Curb weight: 364 pounds
Colors: Orange/black; white/orange
2024 KTM 250 Duke Price: $TBA MSRP
